There are a number of UK-based international employment agencies for those working in childcare and wishing to do so in other countries. These agencies act as specialist recruiters that match host families and nannies / au pairs registered with them. Some people desire to work as au pairs as a means of combining their enjoyment of working with children and experiencing new countries. Others use their childcare experience and qualification as a stepping stone, such as if the person has a university degree in child development.
Au pairs and the au pair programme
An au pair lives with a host family in a country that is not their home country and works as a domestic assistant and child carer for the family. For their work, au pairs receive an allowance and living quarters. Au pairs are usually aged between 17 and 27, able to work for at least ten months and usually need a work visa for the country they wish to work in.
Countries world-wide offer au pair programmes, but are more common in developed countries as a means of cultural exchange, such as in the United States, Germany, and Switzerland. Sometimes nannies or mothers’ helps join the au pair programme too. For the specific country of interest, the prospective au pair needs to research the requirements for work in that country.
Au pairs in the UK
Many au pairs working in the UK originate from the EU through European freedom of movement regulations or “Youth Mobility Scheme”. The standards for the UK Au Pair Industry are set through the British Au Pair Agencies Association (BAPAA) offering guidance to those working in the industry on employment, competence and codes of conduct, and ethics. In Switzerland, such guidelines would be established by the Swiss canton, in the US through the US Department of State Au Pair Programme, and in Germany through the Au Pair Society or the International Au Pair Association.
International Childcare: Questions to ask yourself
When someone suddenly decides that working overseas in childcare can be an option, a moment of euphoria may follow that is put into perspective when answering such questions as:
- Why do I want to provide childcare in another country?
- Which specific country am I interested in and why?
- What are the childcare regulations and requirements in that country?
- Which childcare requirements do I meet and which do I not meet?
- How can I gain qualification or experience in the criteria required?
- What specific environment do I want to work in overseas?
- What age group or special need of children do I want to work with?
- What are the language and cultural expectations?
- Are there agencies or associations in the UK where I can gain further information?
- How long do I intend to work overseas as a childcarer?
- What steps will I need to take to prepare for overseas work?
International childcare work options
Depending on qualification, experience and specialism, people with child care backgrounds have the opportunity to work in other countries through child care schemes. Other than following an au pair scheme, children’s nurses or child developers may have more opportunities for work, especially where there is need in certain countries and if they meet equivalent experience and qualification. Similar to the structure, regulations and requirements for work in the UK childcare sector, other countries have their frameworks that the prospective international child carer needs to be compliant with. Deciding on international childcare takes thought and research to make an informed decision.
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